Back at the 2022 EICMA, Yamaha took the wraps off its first radar-equipped motorcycle, the new-for-2023 Tracer 9 GT+. Since then, there’s been no update on the motorcycle’s American launch and Team Blue even left the 2023 Tracer 9 out of its USA lineup, let alone the GT+. But it seems the wait is all set to end soon, as Yamaha USA has registered the GT+ with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for MY2024.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Set For American Launch
The executive order, sourced by Motorcycle.com, mentions the model code MTT9GPRCGY. Compared to the ‘MTT9GTNCR’ (of the 2022 Tracer 9 GT), the first four digits confirm the model being the Tracer 9, while the ‘GP’ indicates the GT Plus. The ‘CGY’ denotes the California certification and gray color option, similar to the ‘22 model’s CR for California certification and red color. If that’s not concrete enough, the engine capacity reads ‘890’, and the transmission ‘M6’ for the six-speed manual. What’s missing, however, is the standard Tracer 9 GT which indicates only the GT Plus is in the pipeline for now. Of course, it won’t be hard to register the former post the latter, but it doesn’t seem part of the plan as we speak.
2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ Could Retail At Over $17,000
In Britain, the Tracer 9 GT+ is priced at roughly 18 percent more than the 2022 Tracer 9 GT. So after some quick maths, we believe the 2024 Tracer 9 GT+ should go on sale here at around $17,700 (considering the ‘22 GT has a $14,999 MSRP). This isn’t too big a hike, in our opinion, especially when you account for the upgrades.
For starters, the crown jewel is the front radar housed between the projectors and under the nose. It enables features like adaptive cruise control, stability control, and a Unified Braking System. The first two work together to maintain a distance from the vehicle in front and automatically accelerate/decelerate when the distance increases/decreases. There are four ACC modes, any of which can be set between 30kmph (18mph) and 160kmph (99mph).
Meanwhile, the Unified Braking System is one of a kind. It works with radar to increase/decrease brake pressure automatically when required to keep you safe. So if you apply the brakes but the radar senses you’re still going fast, it’ll increase the brake pressure on its own. The IMU plays a sidekick here too.
Radar aside, the GT Plus also has a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster. Unlike the split display on the existing Tracer, this is a single unit with refreshed display modes, special switchgear, and a new full-screen Garmin turn-by-turn navigation system. All this is complemented by a new quickshifter, new integrated riding modes, a USB-A outlet, and updated rear brakes. That’s well worth the extra $3,000 price hike, don’t you think?